Ice cream taste testing

Even though I go to Starbucks for the hustle and bustle that is normally found inside, being around for the slow afternoons paid off today. Two other women and I were allowed to be taste testers for some "homemade" ice cream at this particular Starbucks. The first flavor was vanilla bean and the second was more of a mint chocolate chip. Both were extremely tasty, surprisingly light (not a heavy kind of ice cream), and were the perfect pick-me-up for my afternoon slump. It was also a great ice breaker for us three women who shared this special opportunity. Will ice cream be making a debut at Starbucks? I don't know, but by the taste of these testers, it would be a really great idea. 

Happiness Comes in a Juicebox

It was so adorable. A mom and her little son were eating breakfast at my local Starbucks, and she originally just got him a muffin. They were just sitting here, hanging out and eating in silence, the kid is like 4, when she slowly got up. She sneakily walked over to the open fridge display and picked up a juicebox and started to pay for it. Her son looked over and upon seeing what she was doing, he erupted into what, I swear, was the biggest, most genuine smile I have ever seen. He then proceeded to run over to her, whale pajama pants and smile in tow, and jumped up and down in excited anticipation for his juice box.

I am in awe of the joy that this mother's simple gesture brought to this boy. 

It reminds me that no matter our age, simple things can bring great happiness. I thank this little boy for that reminder.

The Holiday Season Has Begun

In my 4-day hiatus from Starbucks, the holiday season started. I must say, I am very impressed! The new holiday collection is expansive and ranges from very simple to young and fun. In all cases, there is a touch of Christmas and class. There is a wall displaying all of the different designs and my favorite ones remind me of the book, Where the Sidewalk Ends. They hold a bit of warmth and nostalgia in their aesthetics.

I unfortunately did not bring a camera with me, but the next time I am here with one, I will update this post with a photo of the holiday mug wall.

The weather is chilling out and decorations are being put up in shops. We are approaching holiday season and I can just feel the warmth emanating from the exciting promises of the season!

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I finally got the photo! Behold the mug wall 😊

Her warmth was like a hot Chai on a chilly Fall day

There are some people who goodness just seems to surround. Not that they have good luck, but it is almost as if they command luck because of the good intentions that underlie every single thing they do. They may not have perfect lives or perfect health, but they'd never admit it and because of that, you'd never know what their struggles are/have been.
They just walk through life, putting smiles on the faces of every person that they encounter.
I had the opportunity to get to know one of these people today at a local Starbucks. Her story blew me away and left me touched. Her story is not mine to share, but one day, I hope that in some way, it is a story that is available for everyone to know. People like her set an example for others, making them want to be better in heart and soul and to all others. 
She is special. She is an inspiration. She is someone I look up to.